A recent study from Virginia Tech reveals that dogs can play a crucial role in detecting the invasive spotted lanternfly, a pest that poses a significant threat to agriculture in the United States. Researchers have found that these animals, known for their acute sense of smell, can help locate the pest’s egg masses, ultimately aiding in controlling its spread.
The spotted lanternfly, native to Asia, was first identified in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania. Since then, it has proliferated across 19 states, wreaking havoc on crops, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The pest feeds on various plants and produces a sugary substance called honeydew, which can lead to mold growth and damage to plants.
In the study, canine teams participated in both indoor and outdoor tests aimed at identifying the scent of the lanternfly’s egg masses. Katie Thomas, a participant in the research, utilized her nine-year-old pitbull mix, Finch. “Dogs have one dominant sense. It’s their nose. We use our eyes; dogs use their noses like their eyes,” Thomas stated, reflecting on the potential of dogs in pest detection.
In these tests, dogs demonstrated impressive accuracy. They correctly identified the lanternfly scent over 80% of the time indoors and more than 60% outdoors. These results indicate a significant advantage over human searches, highlighting the dogs’ potential in early detection efforts.
Another participant, Carolyn Shelburne, trained her nine-year-old border collie, Hermes, in the study. She remarked, “They are everywhere, and we need to search out the eggs. The problem is it’s too late once we have the lanternfly.” Shelburne was among the first five canine-handler teams to pass their field tests, contributing to the study’s overall success.
The research involved 182 volunteer teams from across the U.S., demonstrating a growing interest in leveraging dogs for environmental protection. The study not only highlights the effectiveness of dogs in locating invasive species but also fosters community engagement. Shelburne added, “Hopefully, more people will see that you can train any dog to do this, and it gives you something fun to do with your dog.”
As the spotted lanternfly continues to threaten U.S. agriculture, the role of trained dogs could become increasingly vital in combatting this invasive pest. The study’s findings suggest that the training methods developed could be applied to other invasive species as well, potentially expanding the protective capabilities of these canine companions in various environments.
Researchers hope this initiative marks the beginning of a broader application for dogs in conservation efforts. By utilizing their keen sense of smell, communities can take active steps toward preserving local ecosystems and safeguarding agricultural resources.
